MC Version Converter is a free command-line tool for converting Minecraft: Java Edition worlds saved in version 26.1 or later so they can be opened in versions 1.18.2 through 1.21.11. It is distributed as source code, so users need Rust to build it with `cargo build --release`. Batch mode reads world folders from `input_worlds/` and writes converted results into separate folders under `output_worlds/`; the original world is not modified. When converting to older targets, the tool reverses newer formats for items, entity equipment, attributes, sign text, and player bed respawns, among other changes. Some data introduced in 26.x may be lost, and blocks without a target-version equivalent may be replaced with air when a target block allowlist is supplied. Data without a legacy equivalent can also be dropped, while oversized `.mcc` chunk files are copied without conversion. Corrupt region, POI, or chunk files are skipped with a warning. Versions 1.17.x and earlier are unsupported because their world height differs from newer versions. The project is unofficial and licensed under MIT.
Who it is for
This tool suits Minecraft: Java Edition players who need to move a 26.1-or-later world to a supported older version and are comfortable building source code with Rust. It is not suited to conversions to versions 1.17.x or earlier.
What is good
- Leaves the original world untouched
- Batch mode processes multiple world folders
- Skips corrupt files with a warning
- Free and licensed under MIT
What to know first
- Requires building from source with Rust
- Does not support version 1.17.x or earlier
- Some newer content or data may be lost
- Oversized .mcc chunks are copied without conversion
Verdict
MC Version Converter provides a focused route from newer Java Edition worlds to supported older versions, while keeping the source world intact. Building from source and possible loss of newer data are important considerations.
MC Version Converter plans and pricing
All plansCompared on Minecraft world converters
- Free plan
- Yes
- Source editions
- Minecraft: Java Edition 26.1 or later
- Target editions
- Minecraft: Java Edition 1.18.2–1.21.11
- Java-Bedrock conversion
- No
- Version conversion
- Yes
- Format conversion
- Yes
- Preserves entities
- Yes
- Batch conversion
- Yes
